A Real Cunarder - A Review of the QM2

This week I was lucky enough to be invited down to Southampton to spend a couple of nights onboard Cunards Queen Mary 2. So, here's the verdict!
I was extremely excited about travelling on such a legendary liner, and although I have visited for a brief tour of the QM2 before, the idea of actually sailing feels like a different experience entirely! I must admit I had very high expectations of Cunard as they are a very prestigious 5* line but I found there were certain areas where I came away feeling a little disappointed, which I will detail in this review.

Extra Baggage? Check!

I have just booked my extra suitcase in for my flight out to Miami in November in anticipation of all the pre Christmas bargains I will be buying!

We fly out on the 26th November which is when "Black Friday" begins in the USA. A few of my colleagues were out in Miami at that time last year and said they had never seen anything like it before! The shops all had huge discounts and they came home with some great bargains on Ugg boots, jewelry, perfume, branded clothes and of course lots of Christmas presents!

I just hope one extra case will be enough!

Fred Olsen - 5 Things I Never Knew!

Every now and again we have representatives coming to visit us from all the different cruise lines to basically remind us exactly why we should be selling their cruises!

Today we had a visit from our rep at Fred Olsen and I was surprised at how much I found out that I didn't know already! Did you know this.....?

1. Fred Olsen is a family run business which is currently in its 5th generation, they have a lot of input in the business and even down to the brochure design!

2. "Suite Benefits" - book a suite and you will also receive a bottle of sparkling wine, fresh fruit, flowers, luxury towels, bathrobe and slippers, free pressing service for formal wear and complimentary coach shuttle vouchers. Plus, on fly cruises, superior and owners suite guests will be upgraded to premium flight seats!

3. The average age for Fred Olsen guests is...... 66 years old. (I must admit I was expecting it to be higher)

4. New Fred Olsen guests can get special benefits too, including priority boarding, a guided ship tour and an invitation to an onboard event for new cruisers.

5. Excellent drinks prices. Cocktails from £3.25, Beer from £2.80, and the best news....no added service charges on your drinks bill!

Trip on the Queen Mary 2!

I am so excited - I have just been asked if I would like to go on a 2 night trip onboard one of my favourite ships - the Queen Mary 2 in November!

I visited this ship recently and loved her - it really feels like you are stepping back in time as soon as you step onboard, it's such a contrast to the rest of the ships I have seen.

The difference is this time I will actually get to sail on the legendary liner!

USA Visa - Do it Now!!!

***Its your last chance to get your free visa for the States, after the 8th September you will be charged to apply for it!***

The visa lasts 2 years, so even if you haven't booked your holidays yet, it's worth getting now just in case you need it later.

Apply now at: www.usembassy.org.uk

Ship Visit - Crown Princess

I headed down to Southampton this morning to visit the Crown Princess, the first Princess ship I have seen!

I was really interested in this one as I am sailing on the sister ship, the Ruby later on this year. Overall I liked what I saw, it is so similar to the P&O Azura which was quite strange, but I think it had more of a sophisticated feel which I really liked.

Highlights were:

"Movies Under the Stars" - imagine sailing through the Caribbean at night, under the stars, whilst watching a movie and to top it off having blankets and popcorn too!


Speciality restaurant Sabatini's - beautiful Italian themed setting, would definitely dine here whilst onboard, especially if I was celebrating a special occasion.



I also loved the Sanctuary, an outdoor "chill out" area, it looked so nice and relaxing, and I loved the chairs too!

Cruising for Disabled Passengers - Are the Cruise Lines Doing Enough?

Whilst the majority of cruise ships are fully adapted for those passengers travelling in a wheelchair, it is surprising to find that for many, cruising will still not be a viable option for their holiday.